USA2:0Australia
Australia, who defended in a 5-4-1, conceded a second goal just before half-time. Robinson swung in a free kick towards Sergiño Dest, whose effort from distance was deflected and looped high into the penalty area. Alexander Freeman headed the ball into the net from close range while goalkeeper Patrick Beach had dived to his right. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review in the 44th minute confirmed that Jacob Italiano had kept Freeman onside.
Freeman, just 21 years old and the youngest player in the US squad, became the youngest American scorer at a World Cup since Julian Green in 2014. He was also the standout performer on the pitch: 65 passes completed, ten duels won and four tackles underlined a remarkable display from a defender not typically tasked with finding the net.
The USA controlled the match with 62 per cent possession, generated an xG of 1.3 and registered ten shots. Australia managed just five attempts with an xG of 0.44 - goal threat was minimal.
After the break, Tony Popovic made three substitutions, including Jason Geria for the unlucky Burgess. Australia got into the build-up play more often, but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Tensions rose in the final minutes: Souttar, Italiano, and Balogun were all shown yellow cards for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 89th minute, and Richards received a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. With their second win from two games, the USA won Group D and will face a third-placed group finisher on 1 July in Santa Clara. Australia must beat Paraguay in their final group match to keep their knockout round hopes alive.
